Bill Phillips: This is the new library in Worcester Elizabeth. It is called the Hive and has divided opinion. It will house both the public and University library, an alleged first but, in fact, not so. The idea has been tried elsewhere and not worked. The building itself sits next to a Victorian viaduct and sticks out like a sore thumb. The metal tiles are claimed to be self cleaning. That should be a challenge to the local pigeons and Gulls. It is also said they will dull down, so they will look dull and tacky rather than bright and tacky. You may have gathered I do not like the building very much. You would be right

It certainly doesn't have immediate appeal to me Bill, and you say it doesn't fit its surroundings, they have built a new registry office on the prom' here, that has a similar finish to it, lots of dislike for that too.

Bill Phillips: This use of these metallic tiles seems to be the latest thing. Tacky is what comes to my mind

I suppose the council had consulted the consultants, who then consulted the other consultants, who then brought in a team of consultants, etc.etc., this is what they ended up with, and just think of all those old Nissan huts going spare on ex RAF airfields. Did I really write this drivel??

It's strange, Bill - the idea of joint use libraries (usually public and school) has been around since the 19th century - it seems to crop up about once every 50 years and, after a little while, the idea is quietly abandoned, until the next time

Bill Phillips: They keep on telling us it is a first. mind you it will also house the public records office and various other things, so I suppose in that sense it probably is a first.